Illuminative display device

ABSTRACT

An illuminative display device for use in advertising comprises a ballast which includes a transformer, a first connector having terminals which are connected to the ballast transformer input and output windings, and a second connector having terminals connected to a group of lamps which are included in the device and are illuminated during the operation of the device. Two additional terminals on the second connector are connected to a voltage supply source. When the first and second connectors are joined, the source voltage is brought directly to the input terminals of the transformer, and the output terminals of the transformer are connected to the lamps. The structure enables ready service and repair of the various components in the device without the difficulties generally encountered because of the high voltages produced and because of the difficult location of the display device. A third connector, with which a ballast tester is associated, is adapted to be substituted for the second connector when testing of the ballast transformer is to be carried out.

United States Patent Harry Weiss 205 West End Ave., New York, N.Y. 10013 2l Appl. No. 838,451

[22] Filed July 2, 1969 [45] Patented Mar. 2, 1971 72] Inventor [54] ILLUMINATIVE DISPLAY DEVICE 12 Claims, 6 Drawing Figs.

Primary Examiner-Raymond F. Hossfeld Attorney-James and Franklin ABSTRACT: An illuminative display device for use in advertising comprises a ballast which includes a transformer, a first connector having terminals which are connected to the ballast transformer input and output windings, and a second connector having terminals connected to a group of lamps which are included in the device and are illuminated during the operation of the device. Two additional terminals on the second connector are connected to a voltage supply source. When the first and second connectors are joined, the source voltage is brought directly to the input terminals of the transformer, and the output terminals of the transformer are connected to the lamps. The structure enables ready service and repair of the various components in the device without the difficulties generally encountered because of the high voltages produced and because of the difficult location of the display device. A third connector, with which a ballast tester is associated, is adapted to be substituted for the second connector when testing of the ballast transformer is to be carried out.

PATENTED MAR 2mm 3557;994

INVENTOR. HARRY mass ATTORNEYS ILLUMINATIVE DISPLAY DEVICE This invention relates to illuminative devices generally, and more specifically to illuminative display devices normally employed for advertising purposes.

A large number of illuminative devices are currently employed for advertising various products. These devices generally include a ballast which comprises a transformer having a plurality of input and output terminals. The transformer is often used to supply a high voltage from a low voltage external power supply to a plurality of lamps within the device. The lamps are generally fluorescent lamps or neon tubes.

Devices of this type are usually located outdoors, such as in gas stations or other business enterprises which depend in large part on such devices for attracting the public. The devices are usually placed in a position where they may easily be viewed by the public and they are therefore often located high above the ground. While such a location is advantageous from an advertising viewpoint, it present s a difficult and frequently dangerous challenge for the serviceman. In order to repair or service such a device a serviceman will ordinarily erect a ladder and climb to the sign to service or repair the components in place within the sign. However, most signs are not adequately equipped for such service and merely are provided with a small access door through which the serviceman must work.

The problems which arise are further complicated by several dangers to which the serviceman is exposed. For example, if a high wind is prevailing at the time of service, it is difficult to maintain the sign in a proper position for servicing, and often more difficult for the serviceman to hold his own position while servicing the sign. In addition, the voltage supply source is directly connected to the transformer and the serviceman must also overcome the inherent dangers involved in working with live voltages, particularly the high voltages of the output terminals of the transformer.

Still another major difficulty is the inability to immediately determine which of the several components within the sign are defective. Because of the manner in which these components are interconnected, separate testing of each component is virtually impossible, particularly in view of the location of the sign. Thus, the serviceman is generally restricted to replacing components whether they are good or bad, and only after he returns to an area where the parts can be tested is it realized that the wrong components were interchanged. Of course, such a service procedure is unnecessarily costly to the sign owner.

It is the primary object of this invention therefore to provide an illuminative display device with a connector arrangement which permits quick separation of the several components within the device, so that they may easily be tested and replaced, if necessary, without danger due to the exposure of high voltages.

An additional object of the invention is to provide a means with which the several components in a display device are quickly tested while they are in place at a difficult location, so that the defective components may be accurately identified.

Accordingly, in accordance with the present invention an illuminative display device which comprises a ballast including a transformer having input and output terminals, is provided with a first connector having a plurality of terminals, means for electrically connecting the transformer input and output terminals to terminals on the first connector, a plurality of lamps each having terminals, a second connector having a plurality of terminals, means for electrically connecting the lamp terminals to the terminals on the second connector, and means for electrically connecting two additional terminals on the second connector to a voltage supply source. When the first and second connectors are joined together the input terminals of the transformer are connected through the first connector to the two additional terminals onthe second connector, and thus the voltage is brought directly to the input winding of the transformer. The output terminals of the transformer are connected through the first and second connectors to the lamps, which are thereby actuated to provide illumination. The connectors are adapted to be easily joined and separated. When they are separated the two additional terminals on the second connector are disconnected from the transformer input terminals and the repair or replacement of the transformer and the lamps is easily accomplished since the voltage supply source is disconnected from both components.

In order to ensure further safety in the repair of the components in the device of the invention the first connector is provided with male projecting terminals and the second connector with female receptacle terminals. Thus exposure of the voltage supply source is prevented since it is connected to the female receptacle terminals of the second connector and is inaccessible to casual contact during the repair of 'the device.

In one embodiment of the invention, the first connector is provided with two projecting terminals which extend a shorter distance outwardly from the connector relative to the other male terminals. These two short terminals are adapted to be joined to the two female terminals to which the voltage power supply source is connected. Thus, when the first and second connectors are separated these two terminals re separated first, thus disconnecting the voltage supply source from the transformer prior to the complete separation of the connectors. Exposure to the spark generation which may occur as a result of the sudden disruption of the current in the transformer is thereby prevented.

As a further feature, a ballast tester is provided in order to quickly determine whether the ballast is defective. The tester comprises a plurality of signal devices which are electrically connected to terminals on a third connector. The third connector is adapted to be joined to the first connector at the ballast transformer, so that the signal devices are connected to the output terminals of the transformer. Means are included in the ballast tester for connecting the two additional terminals carrying the voltage supply source on the second connector to the input terminals on the transformer even though first and second connectors are not joined to one another. Thus, when the third connector is joined to the first connector and the signal devices are thereby connected to the output terminals of the transformer, these devices are actuated if the transformer is operative, and are not actuated if the transformer is defective. As a result the operative condition of the transformer is readily and quickly determined.

In the preferred embodiment of the invention the ballast tester includes a transparent member which is adapted to be manually held and the signal devices comprise a plurality of lamps positioned behind the transparent member so as to be visible therethrough. The means to connect the two additional terminals on the second connector to the transformer input terminal on the first connector comprises a fourth connector having two terminals adapted to be joined to the additional terminals on the second connectorfM'eans are also included for connecting the terminals on the fourth connector to two terminals on the third connector, so that the voltage supply is carried from the two terminals on the second connector to the two terminals on the fourth connector, and from there to the input terminals of the transformer.

To the accomplishment of the above, and to such other objects as may hereinafter appear, the present invention relates to illuminative display devices as defined in the appended claims, and as described in this specification, taken together with the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 is a schematic illustration of a part of an illuminative display device including a ballast connected to lamps through a pair of connectors;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a ballast having a connector attached thereto;

FIG. 3 is an enlarged perspective illustration of one type of connector which may be attached to the ballast of FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is an enlarged perspective illustration of a connector which is adapted to be mated with the connector of FIG. 3 and is connected to the lamps as shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 is a pictorial illustration of a ballast tester; and

FIG. 6 is an'electrical schematic diagram of a transformer arrangement typically employed in a ballast of the type illus trated in FIG. 2. v

There is illustrated in FIG. 1 a schematic combination of several of the components within illuminative display device which is generally indicated by the numeral 10. The components include a ballast ll and a first connector 12 operatively connected to the ballast. The connector 12 is provided with a plurality of terminals generally designated 14 which are here shown to be male projecting terminals. A group of lamps 16, 18, 20 and 22 are connected by electrically conducting means generally designated by the numeral 24 to a second connector 26. Each of the lamps 16, 18, 20 and 22 are provided with a plurality of terminals 28, 29, which in lamps of the type generally employed, that is fluorescent lamps, neon .tubes or the like, are connected to the anode and cathode of the lamps. Two connecting wires 30 and 32 carry a voltage from a supply source (designated in the illustration as being 120 volts) to two additional terminals (54 and 56in FIG. 4) on the connector 26. When the connector 26 is joined to the connector 12 these two additional terminals and thus the voltage supply source are connected to the primary windings of the ballast transformer. The secondary windings of the transformer are connected through connectors 12 and 26 to the lamps 16, 18, 20 and 22, and provide a suitable voltage at the lamp terminals thereby to activate the lamps to provide illumination.

FIG. 2 shows that the ballast 11 includes an outer casing 34 and also shows the connector 12 attached to the casing 34. The transformer 62 illustrated in'FIG. 6 is positioned within the ballast shown in FIG. 2 and the terminals at the transformer input and output windings are electrically connected to the terminals 14 on the connector 12. It will be appreciated that with the construction illustrated in FIG. 2, the ballast 11 comprising casing 34, connector 12 and transformer 62 may be readily removed from the display device and replaced by a similar device. This may be effected by simply removing the locking means 36 on' the mounting plates 38 and 40. In the alternative, if it is desired to obtain access to the transformer 62, the ballast casing cover 42 is removed by withdrawing the bolts 44 and service of the transformer may be effected with the transformer in place.

FIG. 3 illustrates the terminals 14 on connector 12 in greater detail. The terminals 14 are here illustrated as being male projecting terminals, but may be of any suitable type. Two terminals 46 and 48 in the upper left-hand part of the connector 12 project outwardly from the connector base 50 a shorter distance than the other terminals. These terminals 46 and 48 are connected to the voltage supply source when they are connected with corresponding terminals 54 and 56 on connector 26 (FIG. 4). Because these terminals 46 and 48 are shorter than the other terminals on connector I2, they are the first to be disconnected when the mating connectors 12 and 26 are separated. With this construction, the voltage supply source is quickly disconnected from the transformer prior to the separation of the other terminals so that exposure to dangerous sparking is prevented.

The connector 26 is illustrated in FIG. 4 and includes a plurality of female receptacle terminals designated generally by the numeral 52. Connecting wires 24 areconnected to these terminals and to the various lamps 16, 18,20 and 22, as shown in FIG. 1. The connector 26 is therefore flexibly connected to the lamps and may readily be joined to and separated from the connector 12 on the ballast 11. Two additional terminals 54 and 56 are connected by means of the lead wires 30 and 32 (FIG. 1) to a voltage'supply source. These terminals 54 and 56 are connected to the male terminals 46 and 48 on connector 12 when connector26 mates with connector 12, and therefore transmit the voltage from the supply source through the terminals 46, 48 and to the input terminals of the ballast transformer. I

In the embodiment shown, the connectors 12 and 26 are adapted to be joined in only one relative position, because of the offset alignment of the terminals. Stated differently, the connector 26 is provided with a wide space 58 on one side and this is positioned opposite the wide space 60 on connector 12 when the connectors are joined. Thus the connection of the voltage supply source to any other terminals other than 46 and 48 on connector 12 is prevented.

FIG. 6 is a schematic illustration of a four lamp transformer 62 which is suitably employed in the ballast 11. The transformer 62 includes terminal pairs 64, 66, 68, 70 and 72, as well as input terminals 46 and 48. All of these terminals are connected to the terminals 14 onthe connector 12 either directly or by conducting wires (not shown). The terminals 46 and 48 on connector 12 are connected to the input or primary winding 74 of the transformer 62 throughthe input terminals 46' and 48. Three secondary windings 76, 78 and 80 carry a voltage to the various output terminals 64, 70 and 68 respectively. A second transformer primary winding 82 is connected in parallel with winding 74 across the input terminals 46' and 48 by the conducting wires 83. This primary winding 82 is coupled with secondary windings 84, 86 and 88 which are connected to the output terminals 66,- 72 and 68 respectively.

When fluorescent lamps are operated on alternating current circuits the light produced generates cyclic pulsations of considerably greater amplitude than those of incandescent lamps of equivalent lumen rating. Although at the frequencies normally employed, such as fifty or sixty cycles, this cyclic pulsation is not usually noticeable, it may produce unpleasant stroboscopiceffectswhen moving objects come into the field of view. For this reason ballast transformers are generally modified in a manner which will minimize the cyclic flicker. One method of accomplishing the minimization effect is to operate fluorescent lamps in pairs from the transformer. Where only single phase circuits are available, such as is the normal case with illuminative display devices of the type described herein, use may be made of the two-lamp ballast for hot cathode or cold cathode lamps in which leading current is supplied to one lamp and lagging current to the other lamp. The phase difference is such that the light pulsations of the two lamps largely compensate each other. The transformer illustrated in FIG. 6 is actually composed of two double lamp transformer sections which are connected in parallel.

Since the fluorescent lamp is inherently a high power factor circuit unit, a compensation for the high power factor effect is also desired. The reactive ballast transformer normally used to stabilize the fluorescent arc is inherently a low power factor unit. Since in the usual circuit the voltage drop across the ballast is approximately equal to that across the lamp arc, the resulting power factor of a single lamp reactive ballast circuit is in the order of 50 per cent. For many applications this low power factor is objectionable. In single lamp ballasts power factor correction may be obtained by the use of a capacitor which is shunted across the input line connections, or in the situation where the fluorescent lamp requires a higher voltage a capacitor across the transformer secondary windings provides the same effect. The two or four lamp ballasts provide a ready means of power factor correction through the displacement of the lamp currents by phase shift parameters, and are usually designed for a circuit power factor greater than 90 per cent. Therefore the phase shift components illustrated in FIG. 6 serve a dual purpose of providing a lead-lag current in the lamps to avoid the cyclic pulsation effect, and also to correct for power factor inequalities. Thus capacitors 90, resistors 92 in combination with capacitors 94, resistors 96 in combination with induction coils 98 operate to phase shift the transformer output voltages and also provide a suitable power factor load for the power lines when the lamps are initially activated. The capacitors 100 serve to filter high frequency transient signals in the line voltage.

In the operation of the device described, when a switch external to the device is thrown to carry a voltage along lines 30 and 32 to the connector 26, this voltage is directly tied to the terminals 46, 48 on the connector 12 through terminals 54, 56 on connector 26. As a result, the primary windings 74 and 82 of the transformer 62 are energized through terminals 46 and 48 and the secondary windings 76, 78, 80, 84, 86 and 88 pass the transformed voltages through the output terminals 64, 66, 68, 70 and 72 of the transformer 62 directly to the terminals 14 on connector 12. The output voltage is then carried to the terminals 52 on connector 26 to the lamps 16, 18, and 22. These lamps are therefore activated and illumination occurs. When it is observed that one or more of the lamps are not properly functioning a serviceman need only disconnect the mating connectors 26 and 12 and replace either the defective lamps and/or the ballast transformer 62.

In order to determine whether the ballast itself is defective, a testing device such as that shown in FIG. 5 may be employed. This testing device may include a transparent member 102 which, as illustrated, is adapted to be manually held by the serviceman. Positioned behind the transparent member 102 is a plurality of signal devices 104 which are connected by wires 106 to a connector 108. This connector 108 is adapted to be joined with the connector 12 in FIGS. 2 and 3 and thus is provided with female receptacle terminals (not shown). As indicated in FIG. 5 still another connector 110 is provided with two terminals 112, and is directly connected by the wire 114 to two terminals on connector 108. This connector 110 is adapted to be placed in the two terminals 54 and 56 on connector 26 to carry the voltage supply which is present at these terminals 54, 56 to two terminals on the connector 108. Therefore, when connector 108 is joined to connector 12, the voltage supply source will be connected to the proper terminals 46, 48 on connector 12 to thereby actuate the transformer 62. In addition, the remaining terminals on connector 108 are joined to the proper terminals on connector 12 corresponding to the output terminals of the secondary windings of the transformer 62. The signal devices 104, which may comprise several neon lamps, are then individually illuminated if in fact the transformer is operative, and are not illuminated if the transformer is defective. Thus, by simply connecting the testing device shown in FIG. 5 to the proper terminals a ballast is quickly tested for defects, and if found to be acceptable then it is clearly determined that the lamps are defective and not the ballast.

From the foregoing it will be appreciated that the illuminative display device of the invention is constructed for easy repair or replacement of parts. Inherent dangers normally facing the serviceman are avoided by placing the voltage supply source terminals out of possible contact. The quick disconnect assembly features of the device and the use of a ballast tester for fast trouble shooting testing enable repair of a defective display device to be carried out in place at a difficult to service location. 1

While only a single embodiment of the present invention has been here specifically illustrated, it will be appreciated that many variations may be made therein, all without departing from the spirit of the invention.

Iclaim:

1. In an illuminative display device, the combination of a ballast comprising a transformer having input and output terminals, a first connector having a plurality of terminals, means for electrically connecting said input and output terminals on said transformer to said terminals on said first connector, a plurality of lamps each having terminals, a second connector having a plurality of terminals, means for electrically connecting said lamp terminals to terminals on said second connector, and means for electrically connecting two additional terminals on said second connector to a voltage supply source, said first and second connectors being adapted to be joined together such that said transformer input terminals are connected through said first connector to said two additional terminals on said second connector and said transformer output terminals are connected through said first and second connectors to said lamps which are thereby actuated to provide illumination, said first and second connectors also being adapted to be easily separated whereupon said two additional terminals are disconnected from said transformer input terminals, thereby facilitating the repair or replacement of said transformer and said lamps.

2. The device of claim 1, in which the terminals of said first connector are male projecting terminals, and the terminals on said second connector are female receptacle terminals, and in which two male terminals on said first connector project a shorter distance outwardly from the connector relative to the other male terminals thereon, said two male terminals being connected with said two additional terminals on said second connector when said first and second connectors are joined whereupon when said first and said second connectors are separated said two short terminals on said first connector are disconnected from said two additional terminals on said second connector prior to the disconnection of the other terminals on said connectors, thereby to substantially prevent exposure to spark generation at said terminals.

3. In the device of claim 1, a ballast case enclosing said transformer, said first connector being secured to said ballast case, and said second connector being flexibly connected to said lamps and movable into and out of contact with said first connector.

4. The device of claim 1, in which said lamps are fluorescent lamps, and in which there are at least two lamps.

5. In combination with the device of claim 1, a ballast tester comprising a plurality of signal devices, a third connector having a plurality of terminals adapted to be joined to said first connector, means for electrically connecting said signal devices to said terminals on said third connector, and means for connecting the two additional terminals on said second connector to the input terminals on said transformer without connecting said first and second connectors, whereupon when said third connector is joined to said first connector said signal devices are connected to the output terminals of said transformer and are actuated if said transformer is operative and are not so actuated if said transformer is defective, whereby the operative condition of said transformer is quickly determined.

6. In the device of claim 5, a transparent member adapted to be manually held, and said signal devices comprising a plurality of lamps positioned behind said transparent member so as to be visible therethrough.

7. The device of claim 6, in which said means to connect the additional terminals on said second connector to said transformer input terminals on said first connector comprises a fourth connector having two terminals adapted to be joined to said additional terminals, and means for connecting said terminals on said fourth connector and two terminals on said third connector, said two terminals on said third connector being adapted to be connected to the input terminals of said transformer when said third connector is joined to said first connector.

8. In the device of claim 2, a ballast case enclosing said transformer, said first connector being secured to said ballast case, and said second connector being flexibly connected to said lamps and movable into and out of contact with said first connector.

9. The device of claim 8, in which said lamps are fluorescent lamps, and in which there are at least two lamps.

10. In combination with the device of claim 9, a ballast tester comprising a plurality of signal devices, a third connector having a plurality of terminals adapted to be joined to said first connector, means for electrically connecting said signal devices to said terminals on said third connector, and means for connecting the two additional terminals on said second connector to the input terminals on said transformer without connecting said first and second connectors, whereupon when said third connector is joined to said first connector said signal devices are connected to the output terminals of said transtransformer input terminals on said first connector comprises a fourth connector having two terminals adapted to be joined to said additional terminals, and means for connecting said terminals on said fourth connector and two terminals on said third connector, said two terminals on said third connector being adapted to be connected to the input terminals of said transformer when said third connector is joined to said first connector. 

1. In an illuminative display device, the combination of a ballast comprising a transformer having input and output terminals, a first connector having a plurality of terminals, means for electrically connecting said input and output terminals on said transformer to said terminals on said first connector, a plurality of lamps each having terminals, a second connector having a plurality of terminals, means for electrically connecting said lamp terminals to terminals on said second connector, and means for electrically connecting two additional terminals on said second connector to a voltage supply source, said first and second connectors being adapted to be joined together such that said transformer input terminals are connected through said first connector to said two additional terminals on said second connector and said transformer output terminals are connected through said first and second connectors to said lamps which are thereby actuated to provide illumination, said first and second connectors also being adapted to be easily separated whereupon said two additional terminals are disconnected from said transformer input terminals, thereby facilitating the repair or replacement of said transformer and said lamps.
 2. The device of claim 1, in which the terminals of said first connector are male projecting terminals, and the terminals on said second connector are female receptacle terminals, and in which two male terminals on said first connector project a shorter distance outwardly from the connector relative to the other male terminals thereon, said two male terminals being connected with said two additional terminals on said second connector when said first and second connectors are joined whereupon when said first and said second connectors are separated said two short terminals on said first connector are disconnected from said two additional terminals on said second connector prior to the disconnection of the other terminals on said connectors, thereby to substantially prevent exposure to spark generation at said terminals.
 3. In the device of claim 1, a ballast case enclosing said transformer, said first connector being secured to said ballast case, and said second connectOr being flexibly connected to said lamps and movable into and out of contact with said first connector.
 4. The device of claim 1, in which said lamps are fluorescent lamps, and in which there are at least two lamps.
 5. In combination with the device of claim 1, a ballast tester comprising a plurality of signal devices, a third connector having a plurality of terminals adapted to be joined to said first connector, means for electrically connecting said signal devices to said terminals on said third connector, and means for connecting the two additional terminals on said second connector to the input terminals on said transformer without connecting said first and second connectors, whereupon when said third connector is joined to said first connector said signal devices are connected to the output terminals of said transformer and are actuated if said transformer is operative and are not so actuated if said transformer is defective, whereby the operative condition of said transformer is quickly determined.
 6. In the device of claim 5, a transparent member adapted to be manually held, and said signal devices comprising a plurality of lamps positioned behind said transparent member so as to be visible therethrough.
 7. The device of claim 6, in which said means to connect the additional terminals on said second connector to said transformer input terminals on said first connector comprises a fourth connector having two terminals adapted to be joined to said additional terminals, and means for connecting said terminals on said fourth connector and two terminals on said third connector, said two terminals on said third connector being adapted to be connected to the input terminals of said transformer when said third connector is joined to said first connector.
 8. In the device of claim 2, a ballast case enclosing said transformer, said first connector being secured to said ballast case, and said second connector being flexibly connected to said lamps and movable into and out of contact with said first connector.
 9. The device of claim 8, in which said lamps are fluorescent lamps, and in which there are at least two lamps.
 10. In combination with the device of claim 9, a ballast tester comprising a plurality of signal devices, a third connector having a plurality of terminals adapted to be joined to said first connector, means for electrically connecting said signal devices to said terminals on said third connector, and means for connecting the two additional terminals on said second connector to the input terminals on said transformer without connecting said first and second connectors, whereupon when said third connector is joined to said first connector said signal devices are connected to the output terminals of said transformer and are actuated if said transformer is operative and are not so actuated if said transformer is defective, whereby the operative condition of said transformer is quickly determined.
 11. In the device of claim 10, a transparent member adapted to be manually held, and said signal devices comprising a plurality of lamps positioned behind said transparent member so as to be visible therethrough.
 12. The device of claim 11, in which said means to connect the additional terminals on said second connector to said transformer input terminals on said first connector comprises a fourth connector having two terminals adapted to be joined to said additional terminals, and means for connecting said terminals on said fourth connector and two terminals on said third connector, said two terminals on said third connector being adapted to be connected to the input terminals of said transformer when said third connector is joined to said first connector. 